My name is Jay Thomas-Morton. I am a Deaf British Sign Language User. I am writing to ask for your support in my journey to make Counselling Services truly accessible to the BSL community.

Current research shows that Deaf people are twice as likely to suffer with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression than hearing people. The recommended treatment for these issues is talking therapies.

Mainstream counselling services for Deaf People in the UK are over-subscribed which means that Deaf people in the UK are suffering with Depression and Anxiety with no, truly, accessible way of talking through their concerns.

Mainstream counselling services require the use of a Sign Language Interpreter. Imagine your deepest fears and trials begin relayed by a third person. In your darkest times, how can you be sure that the interpreter is truly reflecting your voice?

Although there are counselling services for Deaf people, it is my understanding that there are no Deaf Christian counselling service operating in the UK.

I want to be the catalyst for change in this area, but I need your help.

To date, I have funded my studies achieving Level 3 Counselling. I have recently applied and been accepted on a Level 4 counselling course; this course, commencing this year, will allow me to further develop my counselling skills. It will also give me the qualifications to train other Deaf Counsellors in the future.

I am asking for your help in funding this course. The course fees for 2 years are £4000. This cost covers course fees, registration, work placement and travelling costs.

If your organisation were willing to support all or part of these costs, you would be planting a seed to grow something amazing and much needed. Together, we could open doors that, so far, have been closed to the Deaf Christian Community.

If you are willing to support me, or need further information, please contact me at thomasmortonjay@gmail.